City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Other present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart discussed picking up garbage racks that remain around town. She reminded us that the Truck needs at least 3’ clearance around the containers. Swart shared information about Saturday openings for the Landfill and what hours seem to be the best to be open. 9AM to Noon seems to be the busiest times. Swart then brought up the extra garbage that citizens have around Christmas, and it was decided to have free drop off of up to 100lbs per Residence from December 26 to December 29. Citizens can take their garbage, minus the recycled cardboard, to the Transfer Station.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf shared there were 4 outages in the past month due to squirrels. The Department is busy with trimming trees, hanging switches and will be working on the underground connection to John Deere. The quotes for the sale of the used transformer came in and the best proposal was for $20,000. and they will load and haul the piece taking on all the liability.

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reviewed the Calls for Service Report. Numbers were down from the previous month with 10 regular and 10 after hour calls. Magnuson filled the Commissioners in on the new rescue boat that was purchased with some insurance claim funds and the remaining amount was covered with funds raised by the Firemen.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch talked about the culvert that was replaced by the Rainbow Bridge as well as a water main break in the SW part of town. Thank you to Barnes Rural Water for some of the materials. His team also replaced the guardrail near 6^th & Viking.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford gave an update on 2^nd Ave lighting. Everything is ready as soon as the actual poles come in but do to timing and weather, this will be completed in the spring of 2024.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $1,485,229 for the month.

Commission Duties Review

Attorney Martineck gave a Power Point Presentation on the Duties of Commissioners.

Review cost of Special Meetings

Finance Director Klein shared the cost and time involved with having a Special Commission Meeting. Attorney Martineck will draw up a Resolution for approval on a future agenda, charging $25.00 for a requested Special Meeting. This Resolution will include a change to the Master Fee Schedule.

Appointment of Department Heads and Police Officers

Discussion was had on the current Appointment of Department Heads and Police Officers. Attorney Martineck referred to code which states that the City Administrator should be appointing these positions. The Commissioners requested, for the time being, Police Officers be appointed by the City Administrator and not need Commissioner Approval. The current Code will be reviewed, and an ordinance will be drafted as to the actual titles needing Commission approval and the actual titles that can be appointed by the City Administrator.

Review 10 Year Valley City Infrastructure Plan

Administrator Crawford reviewed the 10 Year Valley City Infrastructure Plan. This plan gives the transparency to determine if we have the monies for future projects and make sure that we know exactly which projects the monies budgeted go to. This plan covers the estimated projected funds needed for future projects and maintenance in all City Departments and how the monies will need to be budgeted. 

Year to Date Building Permit Report and Power Point Presentation of Recent Home Sale Comparisons

Assessor Current shared a Year-to-Date Building Permit Report from Michael Blevins. Current also shared a Power Point Demonstration on the sales of houses and how the values have increased in the past couple of years.

Discuss Public Works 2024 Proposed Budget

Public Works Accountant Jacobson discussed the Public Works 2024 Proposed Budget.

Discuss PW Water Rate increase

Public Works Accountant Jacobson explained the need for the Public Works Water rate increase.

Discuss PW South Side Sewer rate increase

Public Works Accountant Jacobson explained the reasoning for the South Side Sewer rate increase.

Discuss PW Credit Card Fees

Public Works Accountant Jacobson shared a spreadsheet on Credit Card Fees and what it costs the City to offer this payment option to the Citizens. Those fees continue to rise for the City. Discussion was had on these fees and if the fee should be passed along to those using this service.  The City does offer 3 ways to pay with no fees being charged.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:37 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

3:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 3:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Other present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Absent: Commissioner Bishop

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart stated that we are still having a few issues with the containers. Remember that the handles should face your house. All garbage must be in closed bags in the container and all garbage must fit into your container. The City will not pick up excess garbage. Please also remember that you need 3 feet around each container for the truck to be able to collect the garbage. Residents and Businesses please tie your bags shut to keep the garbage contained. Finally, dump your leaves and clippings out of the bags at the Grass site. Discussion on how garbage pickup will work this winter with snow fall and weather. Containers should be placed in the same locations as they currently are, but not in a snowbank. If snow needs to be plowed in your area, your pickup may be suspended that day and will be picked up on Friday. This is a work in progress this first year.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch let us know that water usage is down. A water sample was taken to The Grand Forks Pollution Control Conference and Valley City placed in the top 3 in the state for Best Tasting Water in North Dakota.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf shared that there were 6 outages since the last month. 5 were squirrels and 1 an underground trouble near Woodland that was replaced. The 3 Phase is ready to go at Valley Plains Implement, we are ahead of that project. Inventory, Christmas Decorations, and continued work on the purple lights are on the project list.  Superintendent Senf also shared that they are currently applying for 3 grants to cover the cost of a few projects. One grant is for the replacement of the 69-transmission line from Valley City to the WAPA Sub which is roughly 1.8 miles. This opportunity will replace the old poles and insulators at possibly 100% of the costs covered. The next project would be to replace all the Sodium lights to LED, he estimates that there are about 250 lights left to switch over, this grant will possibly cover at 100%. The final project would be to convert all of Valley City to underground which would be a lengthy time frame so they would propose doing only 2 circuits this year, the grant would possibly pay for 100% of the costs.  

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported there were 17 calls last month. The “Calls for Service” numbers are up from last year. The Fireman’s Dance will be held on November 24^th at the Eagles. The band Karma will be playing and all are invited. This will be a freewill donation, no tickets this year. Assistant Fire Chief Lance Coit attended the FEMA training this past week in Baltimore. Very Educational, passed with a 100% and all it cost the City was his meals and parking. Chief Magnuson also gave an update on the ‘Dangerous Buildings” in town. There are 4 projects in play right now. Attorney Martineck is working on the legal aspects. Discussion was had on the process and again it was stated that this is a very long process.

Police Department

Police Chief Horner discussed the 3 openings at the Police Department. They have had 5 applicants with one of the applicants completing the back-ground check. The interviews for the remaining should happen later this week. There were a few scheduling conflicts. The Department is looking into updating some electronics and equipment needed that was not in the 2024 budget, they are looking for different revenues or grants as Chief Horner feels this could be an Officer safety issue. The Guys have been working hard. Discussion regarding the number and type of Applicants, as well as the training needed to become an Officer took place. Administrator Crawford thanked Chief Horner for all the extra time he has been putting into the job since taking over.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported that Ben Lokken recently went to Bismarck and passed the Water Treatment to Level 3 Certificate. This is a 5-hour test. Currently Wade Hesch & Sherry Keys are Level 4 and Ben will continue to train & test and the goal would be to gradually integrate him into working at the Water Plant. This is a big deal for Valley City. Currently discharging the lagoon for the winter. The street sweeper was winterized but is now back in service trying to get some of the leaves cleaned up. The Ash Trees that were marked have been taken care of and 2 houses were torn down. Inventory will start next week as well as some winter work. There will be a couple people working in the department over Veteran’s Day to keep things going.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford talked about the Resolution for Public Sales. An opportunity came up and items will be sold at a sale that was already set up. The items will be listed, with the larger items having reserves set. There will be a 7% charge from the Auctioneer for sold items. The Auction will take place over a two-week period. This will be an online auction but people will have the ability to go and see the items in person as well. For the larger items, if a reserve was set, we will need to pay the 7% to the Auction Service if an item is not sold. By going with Integrity Auction Service, they will handle all the pictures, descriptions and marketing for the sale. All departments have contributed items to be sold.

Administrator Crawford also brought up discussion on a Charging Station that was installed at Stoudt/Miller. The location was put in the “Line of Sight” for the Department of Transportation Right of Way. This is a new situation and an Ordinance or Resolution will need to be started. This will need to come from the direction of the Commission and we will need to start a permitting or license process. The current station may need to be moved as it is a Zoning Violation. Attorney Martineck will look into this.

Finance Director Klein updated the Commission on the loans for the Tree Removal that was discussed at an earlier meeting.  Both the Bank of ND and ND Finance Authority stated that they would not finance a tree removal loan. This is looked at differently than a regular construction project. The USDA does not see anything coming up on this subject either. Administrator Crawford shared her discussions with other Cities on this topic. Finance Director also mentioned that within the bills are final payments for DOT Projects including the 5^th Ave NW Project, the East Main Sealcoat Project, and then 6^th St NW Reconstruction Project.

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $2,405,468.  for the month.

New Items

RFP for a New Service Center – CityAdministrator Crawford shared that we are required by Century Code when we build a building this size that we need to have an Architect involved. One step is that we have to have an RFP for architects. The second step is to go with Construction Management At-Risk and hire a firm who works with the architect and with the project and will figure out what it will cost and you are guaranteed that it will not go over that cost. If it comes in under, you do benefit. Commissioner Erickson also explained that the firm would manage the whole project and our team would not need to be there saving the City valuable time and resources. They would take care of the whole project acting as a General Manager which we would need regardless. City Administrator Crawford explained that the City would be required to have a Committee that is already determined by Century Code. This committee would oversee the RFP. If this is the way we want to go, with a CMAR, we can pay someone to do the RFP or set up the Committee but no one on the Committee can be applying to be one of the CMAR. Administrator Crawford & Commissioner Erickson both suggested that we go with the CMAR.

Attorney Martineck let the Commissioners know that the next step would be to do an RFP for an Architect or Engineer. That is required. The CMAR is an alternative to doing your standard bidding process. It is another approach to doing the standard bidding process. Tonight, we would need the Commissioners to approve the RFP for the Architect. The next decision would be whether you approve going with the CMAR process and then appointing a committee. Discussion.

Update on Viking Trailer Court – City Administrator Crawford shared an update from David Wick, work has begun and they are making excellent progress.

Red River Water Supply Project – President Carlsrud updated on the former McClusky Canal/Garrison Diversion which is now the Red River Water Supply Project. It was built to supply water to the eastern part of the state in a drought situation. Years ago, Valley City nominated for a certain amount of water. We have been part of the study for many years. The time is coming very close to making a decision as to whether we keep our nomination and continue with the annual cost. President Carlsrud will keep us posted as the time gets closer.

PFP Update – City Administrator Crawford gave an update on the PFP, now that the CLOMR is complete. An updated map was shared and discussed. The first step is to redesign Phase 4 adding mitigation. With that, they were able to add some mitigation with the Mill Dam and get some of that project paid for.  Also, just some updating of the design work and interior flooding concerns. Some of the streets that were set for rehab have now been updated to reconstruction. The re-design of Phase 4 will start now through fall of 2024. The Phase 4 construction will start in the spring of 2025 and continue through 2026.This will be bid in the fall of 2024.

Phase 5 design will start in the Spring of 2024. This will need to go through the State Water Commission for the updated final dollar amount as some of the funds were used for the CLOMR.

Phase 5 construction, which is also phase 6 Design and Construction, was approved through the legislature. this will now need to go through the State Water Commission as well. Currently, discussion is just on projects through 2026 right now. In Phase 5 there are 4 houses left to be bought out. Letters will go out explaining the process and if the owner wants to sell right now, we can look at it.

Special Assessment Cap for Paving Reconstruction Projects – Finance Director Klein shared with the Commission that Protest Notices have been mailed for the Reconstruction Project in the NW that will be happening next year. With previous discussions, it was known there was a need to increase that Cap. It was determined to raise that Cap to $150.00 per frontage from the $123.67 previously used. By increasing this, it gets us to just over 25% of the projects being special assessed. The remaining local funds come out of the R&R funds. We wanted to make sure that this increase at least covers the cost of the seal coat to be paid out of R&R Funds. Looking for an OK from the Commissioners to increase the cap to the $150.00 which has not been increased since 2014. This brought up discussion on the Local share as well as the R&R Fee. City Administrator recommends that the Commission approve the increase the cap at $150.00 now and then look into increasing the Cap and R&R in the future. It was decided that a recommendation on the amount to increase the R&R should be brought to the next meeting and a Resolution written. The commissioners agreed to the new $150.00 Cap.

Digital Signage Update – Commissioner Magnuson gave an update on the Digital Signage with the requests made at the 10/3/2023 Commission Meeting. The digital sign was removed from the quote and the titles: City Hall and Public Works were added to the bottom of the signs. This brought the costs down considerably and all seemed in favor of the new design. Permitting for the sign will be taken care of by the City. It was also asked if the City could take care of the electrical, City Administrator Crawford will be reaching out to Superintendent Senf on that question. Commissioner Magnuson will move forward on ordering the signs.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:47 PM.

City Commission Finance Meeting

Valley City, North Dakota

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

2:30 PM

Called to Order

President Carlsrud called the meeting to order at 2:30 PM.

Roll Call

Members present: President Carlsrud, Commissioner Magnuson, Commissioner Bishop, Commissioner Erickson, Commissioner Gulmon.

Others present: City Attorney Martineck, City Administrator Crawford, Finance Director Klein, Administrative Assistant Hintz

Business

Digital Signage

Commissioner Magnuson presented information on the Digital Signage for Public Works and City Hall. Commissioner Magnuson will check on pricing with the changes discussed.

Monthly Engineer Report

Finance Director Klein shared that the Contract amount is $87,000.00, through September we have used about 46% of the contract amount.

Special Assessing Tree Removal

Review a schedule for Special Assessing for Tree Removal Expenses. Discussion was had. Finance Director Klein will check into funding.

Waste Hauler Permit

Sanitation Supervisor Swart explained the North Dakota Department Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) is requiring anyone hauling waste to the Landfill, that is not their waste, will be required to obtain a Waste Hauler Permit. Homeowners & Tree Haulers are exempt. The Sanitation Department will start educating now & will require permits as of January 1, 2024. A letter will be made with all the instructions and requirements to be given to those coming out to the Landfill. There will be an Ordinance drawn up to cover the changes required by the NDDEQ. 

KPH Liquidated Damages New Requests.

Administrator Crawford covered the reasons on the change order and the liquidated damages that were part of the Project. This change will still leave us with about $55,000.00 in LDs.

Department Reports

Sanitation Department

Sanitation Supervisor Swart reported that the Hook Truck is back in service. Swart was able to get some of the repairs and expenses covered under warranty and from the Dealer. The Automated Truck garbage pickup has been going well.

Water Department

Water Superintendent Hesch reported that the water usage is down in September. Devils Lake will be discontinuing the east end outlet but will still be discharging from the west end outlet. PFAS are a manufactured chemical that is resistant to heat, grease and water. The EPA is cracking down on PFAS but Valley City has tested our water, and they are not an issue here.

Electric Department

Electrical Superintendent Senf reported on the 3 outages last month. 3 Phase line to Northern Plains Equipment is built. The purple lighting around town will be replaced by about 200 fixtures at the shop. They were out of warranty, but Senf was still able to get them covered. There was also discussion on the trailer, truck & street light controller that was damaged in an accident over the weekend. The Electric Department received the 2023 WattStar Award at the MRES Conference for the Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration in Valley City. 

Fire Department

Fire Chief Magnuson reported on the Calls for Service. 22 calls for the month of September. October 8-14 is Fire Prevention Week. There are several tours set up and a few of the firemen will be visiting the schools. Reporting on the dangerous buildings around town. This is a new process for removing dangerous buildings and Attorney Martineck will be drawing up paperwork to assist with this process and what are the considerations that make a building dangerous. This is a long process to get these building taken care of.

Police Department

Lieutenant Rustebakke reported on a few changes happening at the Police Department. Finger Printing will now be done on Monday & Wednesday afternoons from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. The Department also received a Silver Status Rating from Lexipol for the Policy Manual. The Department was given the Silver Status based on how they handle their new and updated policies as well as training bulletins. Currently the Department is advertising for 2 open positions. The “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive will be held October 10 and 11 at Stoudt/Miller.

Street Department

Operations Supervisor Klemisch reported on an outage with the Master Lift Station. Thanks to all the responding Departments, the outage was minimal. Discussion on the tear down of buyout houses. Salt /Sand has been mixed and is ready when needed. Some patching has been completed around town and now the Electric Department will check lighting needs. The Storm Sewer at 5 Ave NE will be budgeted for 2024. Dale Sather has been awarded the Outstanding Individual in Public Works from the American Public Works Association.

Administration

City Administrator Crawford discussed a pump at the reservoir that was replaced, and a structure was being built over the pump. This is on City property and an agreement will be drawn up to cover all involved. Bright Energy Solutions were discussed and how it may benefit many in the community.

David Wick reported that the excavation contractor can complete the installation in 2 – 3 weeks once all the supplies are available, currently waiting on steel culverts and making two additional concrete inlet structures.

Business

Review monthly bills/reports

Finance Director Klein reported expenditures in the amount of $1,862,579.66 for the month.

Fire Extinguisher Service Financial Report

Fire Chief Magnuson reported that the Fire Extinguisher process has been going well. Discussion on pricing and time frames was had. The Department is diligently working on getting around town and getting the inspections and updates taken care of.

Discuss Buyout of 446 8 Ave NE for $94,000.00.

Administrator Crawford pointed out that the amount is the assessed value plus 10%. This is the valuation that was shared with the homeowner to purchase. This will be voted on at the Commission meeting.

Codification of the Purchasing Policy

Attorney Martineck reported that there was legislation that added a provision to the state purchasing laws that now allows cities to use cooperative purchasing. It became clear that this policy needs to be put into code to have the force of law backing it. By putting our policy into code, it allows Valley City to continue to do what we are already doing.

Dupont Class Action Settlement

Attorney Martineck discussed the class action and that, on his recommendation, Valley City opt out of the current settlement.

Application for Transportation Alternatives Program Projects

Engineer Petersen reported on the Transportation Alternative Funds being used on the Winter Show Road Project. Valley City was awarded the funding for Phase 1. Now seeking approval to apply for funding for Phase 2 that will complete the project. Administrator Crawford recommended that the Commission approve to move forward with the application process.

Valley City Urban Limits Boundary Map Revision

Engineer Petersen discussed the maps that were discussed back in June. They are proposing a change to the Urban Limit Boundary due to planned projects and growth in the NW area. The NE area would then be moved closer to the current boundaries. The southern boundaries would remain as is due to the infrastructure that already is in that area. Sharing the maps today and will be asking for formal approval at the next meeting to send the Department of Transportation before the end of October.

Review Requested Electric Rate Increases

Public Works/Account Manager Jacobson discussed his recommendations for Electrical Rate increase proposal due to the transfer increases. Looking for approval to start the process for the rate increases that would be effective on February 1, 2024.

Review Change Orders for 2 Ave NE/3 St NE

Administrator Crawford discussed the change orders for this project. The first, electric utility manholes that needed to be replaced, these funds will come out of the Electrical budget. The second, was a no cost change order. The third, was for drainage modifications near the Police Department as the current drainage needed to be corrected and join into the storm sewer system. The remaining change orders were for the fabric and at no cost. 

Review Proposed Urban Grant Project for 2 ST NW to 2 St N

Engineer Petersen shared a map with the proposed project as listed as a 2026 project. The ND DOT is asking for a plan ready date. If plans are ready in 2024 and the DOT is ready, we could possibly start building in 2025 instead of 2026.

Adjourn

The meeting was adjourned at 4:47 PM.